22/06/2026
☀️ Don’t overlook heat stress in sheep ☀️
When it's schorching cattle often get most of the attention, but sheep struggle too during periods of hot weather.
As temperatures rise, sheep will spend more time seeking shade, grazing activity reduces and water consumption increases significantly.
In severe cases, heat stress can impact growth rates, fertility, milk production in ewes and overall flock performance.
A few practical steps can help keep sheep comfortable:
💧 Make sure clean, fresh water is always available
🌳 Provide access to shade
🌬️ Maintain good airflow in housed systems
✂️ Consider shearing timing
🚛 Avoid unnecessary handling, gathering or transport
Heat stress can creep up quickly, especially during humid weather when animals struggle to cool themselves effectively.
🪰 Don’t forget fly control 🪰
Warm weather doesn’t just increase the risk of heat stress – it also creates ideal conditions for flies.
Flystrike can develop quickly and have serious welfare implications if not caught early.
Regular flock checks, timely treatment and preventative fly control measures are essential throughout the risk period.
Keep an eye out for:
🐑 Irritated or restless sheep
🐑 Sheep nibbling, biting or rubbing affected areas
🐑 Discoloured or damp patches of wool
🐑 Sheep separating themselves from the flock
Prevention is always easier than treatment. A proactive fly control plan can save both time and losses later in the season.
Keeping sheep comfortable isn’t just about welfare – it helps maintain performance and reduces the risk of setbacks during the summer months.
How are you managing your flock during this warm spell?
